Today in the Second World War

Amidst the tumult of the 1940s, October 15th stands as a beacon of pivotal events, brave endeavors, and moments that resonated in the vast symphony of World War II. As we turn back the pages of time, today's exploration uncovers the milestones and silent whispers that characterized this specific day in the war's expansive journey. Dive into the depths of October 15th with us, where history unfolds in vivid detail.

"Japan...is operating in the Pacific in the hope of extending her hold over New Guinea...from such a position she...could carry out raids on Australia...whilst awaiting our final defeat by Germany" - General Alan Brooke - 5th May 1942

Daring Attack

1938: The Czechoslovakian government resigned after Germany occupied the Sudetenland.

Sub on Sub Crime

1940: British submarine HMS Triad detected Italian submarine Enrico Toti while running on the surface 100 miles south of Taranto, Italy at 0100 hours. Triad hit Enrico Toti twice with her deck gun, but the torpedo fired missed; Enrico Toti's damage prevented her from diving. Enrico Toti returned fire, hitting Triad twice with the deck gun and sprayed her with machine gun. As Triad attempted to dive, Enrico Toti scored a hit with a torpedo, sinking Triad at about 0130 hours and killing the entire crew of 59.

50/50

1940: Adolf Hitler noted that about half the Czechs in occupied western Czechoslovakia could be assimilated into the German population. The other half, which included the intellectuals, were to be eliminated.

Withdrawal

1941: The new Australian Prime Minister, John Curtin, announced that the Australian garrison in Tobruk, Libya would be withdrawn immediately. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, in fit of rage, bitterly complained to Beaverbrook: "We are at war with almost every country, including Australia!”

Abduction

1944: Shortly after announcing that Hungary would withdraw from the war, Admiral Miklós Horthy's son Miklós Horthy, Jr. was abducted by Sturmbannführer Otto Skorzeny's commandos. In Horthy's place, the new head of state, Fenenc Szalasi promised to maintain the alliance with Germany. Among the first pro-German policies implemented was the resumption of the deportation of Hungarian Jews.

Start of Kamikazes

1944: Rear Admiral Masafumi Arima of the Japanese 26th Air Flotilla in the Philippine Islands attempted a special attack with a D4Y Suisei aircraft against an American carrier; it was said that "This act of self-sacrifice by a high flag officer spurred the flying units in forward combat areas and provided the spark that touched off the organized use of suicide attacks in the battle for Leyte."

Traitor

1945: Pierre Laval was executed for treason.

Cowards Way Out

1946: Two hours before his scheduled execution, Hermann Göring committed suicide

Photo of the Day

A London bus after falling into a massive bomb crater in the center of Balham High Road, London, England, UK, Oct 15 1940.

As we draw the curtains on today's delve into October 15th of World War II, the tales of heroism and endurance echo a timeless reminder of humanity's strength amidst chaos. Your engagement keeps these stories alive, bridging the past to our present. Join us again tomorrow as history unveils more of its intricate narrative. Until then, let's carry forward the lessons and inspirations from days gone by.

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Have a great weekend :)

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